Medically reviewed by Dr. Pritesh Vidhate, BVSc & AH, MVSc (Veterinary Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine) — 24+ years of experience in companion animal and exotic pet medicine.
Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some form of dental disease by the age of 3 — yet dental health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of pet care. At Shivraj Pet Clinic, Wakad & Pimple Saudagar, Pune, we perform professional dental scaling and oral health assessments to prevent pain, tooth loss, and the serious systemic disease that dental infection can cause.
Quick Facts
| Species affected | Dogs and cats (small breeds especially prone) |
| Prevalence | 80%+ of dogs, 70%+ of cats by age 3 |
| Procedure | Performed under general anaesthesia with pre-anaesthetic bloodwork |
| Recommended frequency | Every 1–3 years depending on breed and home care |
| Emergency signs | Facial swelling, refusal to eat, severe bleeding gums |
Why Dental Health Matters
Dental disease is not just about bad breath. When bacteria accumulate in the mouth and form tartar (hardened calculus), they can enter the bloodstream and cause:
- Heart valve disease — bacteria settling on heart valves
- Kidney damage — chronic low-grade infection taxes kidney filtration
- Liver disease — bacterial toxins processed by the liver
- Chronic pain — loose, infected teeth cause constant discomfort that pets hide
Dogs and cats do not show pain the way humans do. A pet with severe dental disease often continues eating — right up until they cannot.
Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Attention
- Bad breath (beyond normal "dog breath")
- Yellow or brown deposits on teeth near the gum line
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Drooling more than usual
- Pawing at the mouth
- Preference for soft food or dropping food while eating
- Facial swelling under the eye (often indicates a tooth root abscess)
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia-free dentistry is a safer alternative | A conscious pet cannot hold still for sub-gingival (below gum line) cleaning, where disease actually lives — it is cosmetic only and can miss serious disease |
| Bad breath is just normal for pets | Persistent bad breath is one of the most reliable early signs of dental disease, not a normal trait |
| Dry food alone keeps teeth clean | Dry food provides only mild mechanical cleaning; it does not replace brushing or professional scaling |
The Dental Scaling Procedure
Professional dental scaling at Shivraj Pet Clinic involves:
- Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork — essential before general anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia — pets must be fully anaesthetised for thorough and safe scaling
- Scaling — ultrasonic and hand instruments remove tartar from all tooth surfaces
- Probing — checking for periodontal pockets and loose teeth
- Extraction — severely diseased teeth are extracted rather than left to cause ongoing pain and infection
- Polishing — smooths enamel to slow future tartar accumulation
Maintaining Oral Health at Home
- Tooth brushing — daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard. Start slowly, let your pet lick the toothpaste first, introduce the brush gradually
- Dental chews — those with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal have evidence behind them
- Dental diets — certain prescription diets help reduce tartar mechanically
- Water additives — some products reduce bacterial counts in drinking water
Professional dental scaling is typically needed every 1–3 years depending on your pet's breed and oral hygiene routine. Small breeds (Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Pomeranians) tend to develop tartar faster and may need annual scaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental scaling safe for older pets?
Yes, with proper pre-anaesthetic screening. Age alone is not a reason to avoid necessary dental care — untreated dental disease is often the greater risk.
How long does the procedure take?
Typically 30–60 minutes depending on the extent of tartar and whether extractions are needed.
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Most pets go home the same day, once fully recovered from anaesthesia.
How can I tell if my pet is in dental pain?
Pets rarely show obvious pain — watch for subtle signs like reduced chewing on one side, reluctance to play with toys, or reduced interest in hard treats.
Do cats need dental scaling as much as dogs?
Yes — cats develop dental disease at similarly high rates and often show fewer obvious signs, making regular checks important.
Can I prevent the need for scaling with brushing alone?
Regular brushing significantly reduces tartar buildup and can extend the time between professional scalings, but it does not eliminate the need entirely.
What happens if dental disease is left untreated?
Progressive tooth loss, chronic pain, and increased risk of the bacteria affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Is anaesthesia safe for my pet?
We use modern anaesthesia protocols with pre-anaesthetic bloodwork and continuous monitoring, the same standard used in human hospitals.
Our preventive medicine service can help build a full oral care plan alongside routine wellness checks.
Professional dental scaling protects both oral and overall health. Book a dental assessment at Shivraj Pet Clinic, Wakad & Pimple Saudagar, Pune, or call 077569 65169.
